Program guide

To view or download our complete program guide for Fall and Winter 2018 click here.

We want all children to benefit from the camps and classes offered at the SD Discovery Center! Thanks to the generosity of local sponsors, we may be able to offset the cost of our programs for families in need.No forms to fill out. Simply inquire by contactingRhea.

Upcoming events

Our digital planetarium is open to the public the second and forth Saturday of each month! Show topics vary depending on the presenter (Greek or Lakota constellations, the moon, deep space objects, etc.). It’s fun for the whole family. All ages welcome!

Join us the last Monday of Oct-April (not December) for a two hour professional development about using phenomena in your science teaching that will excite your students and lead them into exploration and discovery.

Use experiences such as water and surface temperature to draw your students into not just learning about but actually doing science. Connect with South Dakota researchers and bring their research into your classroom. Learn how to find the phenomena in GEMS kits.

Bonus! Get additional content from National Geographic and learn how to become a National Geographic Certified Educator.

One credit is for attending all sessions plus completing a practicum of planning, teaching and reflecting on a phenomena based activity by the end of the class.

Session Topics:

Oct 29 - Introduction to Phenomena and Nat Geo Certified Educator

Nov 26 - Water Transparency - . What does water transparency tell us about erosion, geology, geography and human impacts?

Jan 28 - Air Pollution and Brain Disease - How do particulates found in air pollution affect cells and living organisms?

Feb 25 - Surface Temperature. What is surface temperature? How does it relate to our climate?

Mar 25 - Engineered Bones. How does our body heal bone injuries and how can we help bones repair themselves?

Apr 29 - Soil. What is soil? How is it made? Why does it matter to us?

Educators, out of school time staff, youth program leaders, PTO/PTA leaders and their children are invited to learn about our classroom resources and materials, workshops, and exhibits in a relaxed setting on Friday Dec 28 from 10 am - 4 pm. Our staff will be on hand to answer questions and help you find the resources that will bring exploration and discovery into your classroom.

This no pressure event is free. Bundle up your kids and bring them because it's a free day for them too!

Join us for Phase One of National Geographic's Educator Certification. Build your capacity to use the explorer's mindset to teach your students about the world. In this two hour session you will learn what the explorer's mindset is and how to integrate it into your teaching. Completing this Phase One training will enable you to go directly to Phase 2 in the online certification.

The South Dakota Discovery Center has arranged a graduate workshop credit through the University of Sioux Falls for those completing certification. A certificate for 2 contact hours will be provided for those who only seek to participate in the Phase One training.

Upcoming events

Thank you to the Friends of the South Dakota Discovery Center. Friends provide on going support so that thechildren and families in our community have access to hands-on science learning, now and in the future.